Event Years and Jewish State

year: However, this year we were disturbed to see that the festival has decided to partner with the Government of Israel, whose Embassy in Canada is a sponsor, according to Rabble. It has been even advertised as a celebration of the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the Jewish state. The festival brings exceptional artists and musicians from around the world to an appreciative audience, and celebrates music that has its roots in struggle and resistance. Because of the unhappy circumstances surrounding that event 70 years ago, which led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, and even more in light of Israel's grievous wounding of over 7,000 Palestinians in the last two months, we feel that we have to take a pass on this year's event. On the contrary, it disappoints us greatly because we know that the line-up includes many impressive Jewish-Israeli musicians whom we might have wanted to see and hear had they been invited as individuals rather than as part of an effort to promote the State of Israel. Our decision is in no way motivated by anti-Semitism. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.